In-office retention: An employers guide to hybrid working
Lily Hedley | July 28, 2025 | 5 minute read
How do you encourage people to come into the office more often without mandating it?
It’s a question many facilities managers are asking in 2025. Hybrid working is widely adopted in many office-based roles, while other industries still rely on fixed-location work.
The challenge isn’t bringing people “back” to the office. It’s making sure that being in the office is rewarding and convenient.
Flexibility
Recent data from the CIPD shows that 91% of UK organisations offer some form of flexible working.
But that number doesn’t tell the whole story. In nearly half of all workplaces, only some employees have access to flexibility. In many cases, it’s limited to office-based, senior or knowledge-based roles.
Meanwhile, sectors like healthcare, manufacturing and retail remain largely site-based, with little day-to-day autonomy for staff. Even in hybrid environments, a divide can open up between teams who have location choice and those who do not.
This means a one-size-fits-all approach to the workplace no longer works. Instead, facilities teams are being asked to create spaces that cater to a range of needs, roles and expectations.
What people actually want from the office
The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) have found that remote and hybrid workers value time saved commuting and better work-life balance. However, many also recognise the benefits of working on-site.
In fact, over half of workers surveyed in 2023 said they wanted to work at their employer’s location at least three days a week. When asked why, top reasons included:
- Easier collaboration with colleagues
- A more structured working day
- Better access to tools, systems and support
- A clearer boundary between work and home life
The takeaway is clear. People are not rejecting the workplace. But they do expect a good experience when they’re there. The best ones support collaboration, allow for focus and provide a sense of belonging.
Designing a workplace people choose to use
Creating a space that people want to use is not about trend-led redesigns. It starts with simple, thoughtful improvements to how the workplace functions.
Examples include:
- Zones for different types of work, such as quiet focus, collaboration or informal meetings
- Clean, well-stocked kitchen and refreshment areas
- Comfortable furniture and calming lighting
- High-quality coffee machines and mains-fed water dispensers
- Easy access to essentials like power points, storage and clear signage
Small updates can have a big impact on how people feel in a space. Facilities teams have an opportunity to create exceptional company culture.
The role of facilities in supporting culture
The workplace is still a big part of how employees experience their organisation. It shapes how they connect with colleagues, access support and feel part of a team.
Facilities managers are responsible for more than maintenance. And employees will make inferences on how much their company values them based on the facilities.
Investing in better workplace amenities is not just about convenience. It’s about creating moments of connection and care that improve the wider working environment.
Not sure where to start?
Read this guide to improving workplace wellbeing and inclusivity if you are unsure on how to take action. We break down the importance of listening to your team, and letting them guide the decision-making process. And investing in your team.
Every part of your workplace setup can be tailored to your team’s needs. Whether you’re sourcing desks, lighting, comfy chairs or plants, there’s a supplier out there who specialises in it.
One key benefit of partnering with a supplier for facilities solutions is that they usually offer service contracts. Which will take all of the maintenance off your plate.
Conclusion
In 2025, flexible working arrangements are becoming the norm, yet the physical workplace remains essential. While employees may not need to come into the office every day, when they do, they expect a productive and rewarding experience.
Facilities managers play a key role in delivering this. By prioritising functionality, fairness and comfort, you can create a workplace that accommodates diverse roles and working styles and motivates employees to choose to be there.